Editor's note: This interview has been minimally edited for length and clarity.'U.S Rep. Lloyd Doggett took a political risk by calling on Biden to step aside.
was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
This time, he didn’t get his way, as no other candidates emerged. Harris now has the backing of enough delegates to give her the nomination. Doggett says the vice president has his full support — though he still thinks a contested convention would have been the better option. The next morning, I contacted multiple members of our leadership, past and present, and other colleagues, urging them to join in seeking a replacement. And when I saw no one taking action, I called the White House and advised that I'd like to speak directly with the president to encourage him respectfully to step aside. I got no call back and decided on Tuesday that I should move forward. I notified our leadership that I was doing so.
What had your relationship been with the president before the debate? How often had you sort of seen him, either in private or in public? I understand that my call was not something that they wished to hear, but I have tried to be respectful and appreciative of the president in my initial statement, in my subsequent statement that I issued last week, and in every comment that I've made regarding his work and his need to make this difficult decision.
You called for an open convention but also said that you would wholeheartedly support Harris, who is now a shoe-in for the nomination. What did you see as the advantages of having a more open process? I'm very encouraged by the initial response of over $100 million raised, and endorsements from across the country to some extent satisfied my concern about her acceptance around the country. And again, I think the preferable approach was the one I advanced initially. But seeing delegations, including the Texas delegation, embrace her quickly does provide some indication of the level of her support among Democrats around the country.
Joe Biden Kamala Harris Democratic National Convention Presidential Race Capitol Hill Debate Performance Political Risk
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett doubles down on urging Biden to step asideBiden is scheduled to visit Doggett’s district Monday, speaking at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in Austin.
Read more »
US Rep. Lloyd Doggett doubles down on push for Biden to step asideBiden is set to address the group later Tuesday afternoon.
Read more »
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett doubles down on push for Biden to step asideBiden is scheduled to visit Doggett’s district Monday, speaking at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in Austin.
Read more »
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett doubles down on push for Biden to step asideBiden is scheduled to visit Doggett’s district Monday, speaking at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in Austin.
Read more »
Texas Democrat Rep. Lloyd Doggett calls on Biden to withdraw as presidential nomineeDoggett is the first sitting Democrat in Congress, House, or Senate to publicly call on Biden to withdraw as the Democratic candidate for president.
Read more »
Rep. Lloyd Doggett Becomes First Sitting Democrat to Call for Biden to WithdrawSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »